‘PKR INFIGHTING MUST CEASE AT ONCE’
Otherwise, it could spill over into Pakatan Harapan, says PAN leader
THE infighting in PKR involving deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali and vice-president Rafizi Ramli must be resolved immediately, a senior Parti Amanah Negara (PAN) leader warned yesterday.
Otherwise, PAN strategic communications director Khalid Samad said the internal strife could spill over into Pakatan Harapan and, in the worst case scenario, lead to its break-up.
“This issue has dragged for far too long. PKR has to deal with this on its own… but I really hope it won’t lead to the breakup (of Pakatan Harapan) because Pas is not worth it,” he said yesterday.
Azmin had expressed interest in working with Pas to avoid three-cornered fights in the 14th General Election.
Rafizi, had openly disagreed with that idea.
Pas ended its 18-year cooperation with PKR in May. The party’s Syura Council had decided on the move to defend its Islamic agenda.
Rafizi had suggested that a special congress be held to discuss the issue.
Jailed opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he agreed with Rafizi’s suggestion, but questioned whether it was necessary since GE14 was just around the corner.
Khalid, who is also Shah Alam member of parliament, said if PKR decided to talk with Pas the party must provide an explanation to Pakatan Harapan on three matters.
“Firstly, they must debate the issue (of PKR cooperating with Pas) and find a solution. Secondly, they must explain how they are going to handle the overlapping seats (between PAN and Pas).
“Thirdly, they must present their proposal to all parties in Pakatan Harapan and come up with a formula for GE14.”
Meanwhile, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi in a statement yesterday said the conflict between Azmin and Rafizi showed that PKR was afraid of facing three-cornered fights in GE14.
“When Azmin had informal talks with Pas, that was his way of insinuating that PPBM and PAN did not have the ability to get Malay support, unlike Pas.
“The infighting is not only in PKR but it is now spreading to DAP, PAN and PPBM.
“Don’t be surprised if, in the end, DAP decides to stand alone in GE14,” he said.
On Saturday, Azmin said he felt vindicated following Anwar’s admission that he had endorsed the talks between PKR and Pas.
Rafizi had claimed that the issue was causing rifts among party leaders and confusion among grassroots members.
In a statement yesterday, Rafizi told PKR not to “waste time” courting Pas and urged the party to respect the Pakatan Harapan presidential council’s decision not to cooperate with Pas.
“If there is still cooperation (with Pas), it should be at the national level, and not limited to PKR or Selangor.
“Listen to what Anwar said… a long discussion is risky as GE14 is around the corner,” he said.
“We can’t just give in to Pas especially after they said they are going to contest all the seats (they contested) in GE13. It’s not fair to our friends in PPBM and PAN.
“Besides, it’s better for us to champion people’s issues because that’s the best way to attract Pas supporters, and not by having discussions which will clearly lead to a dead end,” he added.